# Cluster 2

> one of four identical magnetospheric research satellites in the Cluster II constellation, reentered in September 2024

**Wikidata**: [Q111658865](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111658865)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cluster-2

# Cluster 2

## Summary
Cluster 2, also known as **Salsa**, was one of four identical geomagnetic research satellites comprising the European Space Agency's Cluster II constellation. Launched in July 2000 aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, it was designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere. After significantly exceeding its design life, the satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific Ocean in September 2024.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases:** Salsa, Cluster Salsa, Cluster C2, Cluster FM6
- **Class:** Geomagnetic satellite; Former entity
- **Operator:** European Space Operations Centre
- **Manufacturer:** Astrium
- **Launch Date:** July 16, 2000 (12:39:34 UTC)
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U (with Fregat space tug)
- **Mass:** 1,200 kg (launch weight); 550 kg (dry weight)
- **Dimensions:** 2.9 m diameter; 1.3 m height
- **Power:** Solar cell panels (224 W) and S400 propulsion
- **Design Life:** 5 years
- **Operational Life:** 24.1 years
- **Decay Date:** September 8, 2024 (18:47 UTC)
- **Decay Location:** South Pacific Ocean
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID: 2000-041B; NSSDCA ID: 2000-041B; NAIF ID: -185; SCN: 26411

## FAQs

### Q: What was the primary function of Cluster 2?
A: Cluster 2 was a geomagnetic satellite designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. As part of a four-satellite constellation, it contributed to 3D research of the space environment.

### Q: How long did Cluster 2 remain in orbit?
A: The satellite was designed for a service life of 5 years but remained operational for 24.1 years, finally reentering the atmosphere on September 8, 2024.

### Q: What were the specific identifiers and aliases for Cluster 2?
A: The satellite was also known as "Salsa," "Cluster C2," and "Cluster FM6." Its COSPAR and NSSDCA IDs were both 2000-041B.

### Q: How was Cluster 2 launched and powered?
A: It was launched on a Soyuz-U rocket equipped with a Fregat space tug. In orbit, it was powered by solar cell panels with a capacity of 224 watts and utilized an S400 propulsion system.

## Why It Matters
Cluster 2 (Salsa) represents a major success in long-duration space science missions. As a component of the Cluster II constellation, it allowed scientists to conduct the first multi-point measurements of the magnetosphere, moving beyond single-point observation to a comprehensive 3D understanding of space weather phenomena. Its operational life of over 24 years—nearly five times its design life—provided a continuous stream of data on the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field. This longevity enabled the study of solar cycles and their effects on the space environment, contributing vital knowledge for protecting satellites and infrastructure from space weather hazards. Its controlled reentry in 2024 also marks a responsible end-of-life disposal.

## Notable For
- **Part of a Unique Constellation:** Being one of four identical spacecraft enabling 3D mapping of the magnetosphere.
- **Exceptional Longevity:** Operating for 24.1 years despite a 5-year design life.
- **Specific Naming:** Carrying the unique alias "Salsa" within the Cluster II fleet.
- **Documented Decay:** Having a precisely recorded atmospheric entry time and location (Sept 8, 2024, 18:47 UTC, South Pacific Ocean).

## Body

### Mission Profile
Cluster 2 (Salsa) was launched on July 16, 2000, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle assisted by a Fregat space tug. It was manufactured by Astrium and operated by the European Space Operations Centre. The satellite's primary mission was to monitor the Earth's magnetosphere.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft had a launch mass of 1,200 kg and a dry weight of 550 kg. Structurally, it measured 2.9 meters in diameter and 1.3 meters in height. Power was supplied by solar cell panels rated at 224 watts, supplemented by an S400 propulsion system.

### Operational History
Designed for a 5-year mission, Cluster 2 remained functional for 24.1 years. The mission concluded with atmospheric entry on September 8, 2024, at 18:47 UTC, over the South Pacific Ocean.

### Identifiers
*   **Aliases:** Salsa, Cluster Salsa, Cluster C2, Cluster FM6
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2000-041B
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 2000-041B
*   **NAIF ID:** -185
*   **SCN:** 26411

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cluster.htm)
2. [Source](https://sci.esa.int/web/cluster/-/47348-fact-sheet)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Cluster/Goodnight_Cluster_brilliant_end_to_trailblazing_mission)